Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has adopted six small area plans as amendments to the County’s 2045 Unified Plan. Approved during the board’s July 22 meeting, the plans focus on Bethesda, Centerville, Killian Hill, Northbrook Parkway, Oakbrook Parkway and Venture Drive. Each was developed in partnership with community input and includes recommendations for land use, housing, economic development, mobility and open space tailored to reflect the unique needs and vision of the communities. “These plans reflect what we heard directly from the people who live, work, and do business in these communities,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “They help us take a proactive approach to…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson issued a statement today in response to Moody’s Investors Service affirming to the County’s strong  Aa2 credit rating while revising the outlook for the Water and Sewer Enterprise from stable to negative. The County’s Aa3 rating for the enterprise was maintained, signaling continued credit strength despite increased pressure from long-term capital investments.   The County anticipated this revision in response to its aggressive but necessary capital investment plan. DeKalb is actively implementing a multi-year strategy to rebuild its water and sewer system and comply with the federally mandated consent decree. “While the outlook has changed, our…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is hosting its annual Back-to-School Rally for the 2025-26 school year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event will be held at the District’s Administrative and Instructional Complex (AIC) at 1701 Mountain Industrial in Stone Mountain. This year’s rally theme is “Level Up for Success,” and will feature live entertainment, a Fun Zone for children, school supplies, family resources, health screenings, testing, vaccinations, and much more. All supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. DCSD’s Saving Our Students (S.O.S.) will also host a march to support students’ well-being.…

ATLANTA –Family-owned and Hawaii-inspired food company, King’s Hawaiian®, will invest approximately $54 million in expanding its Oakwood facility, creating more than 135 new jobs.  “For nearly 15 years, King’s Hawaiian has proven to be an incredible partner in creating quality jobs in northeast Georgia, and we look forward to even more years of great success for them in Hall County,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “Expansions like these are an important part of our economic development work, helping create further opportunities in growing communities.” The expansion will add a new production line at the 150,000-square-foot King’s Hawaiian facility located in the Oakwood South Industrial…

Stonecrest, GA — The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, in partnership with DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Priví Stonecrest, the City of Stonecrest. Office of the Mayor, Peace Baptist Church, and a coalition of local partners, will host the 2025 Summer of Peace Weekend Aug.1–3.  The three-day, back-to-school celebration is designed to promote peace, inspire learning, and unite families through meaningful programming, cultural engagement, and community-building. The 2025 Summer of Peace theme, “Keeping it 100 for Peace, Unity, and Empowerment,” reflects a renewed commitment to reducing violence and investing in the next generation. “This back-to-school weekend, Summer of Peace…

ATLANTA, GA – Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest black church in Atlanta, has appointed Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine as its new senior pastor.  A nationally recognized pastor, civil rights attorney and scholar,  Augustine brings a dynamic blend of theological depth, legal expertise, and a lifelong commitment to community empowerment to this legendary pulpit on Auburn Avenue. With its roots as the “City Hall of Sweet Auburn,” Big Bethel has stood as a beacon of faith, education, and activism in Atlanta and beyond.  In his new role, Augustine plans to honor and revive this trajectory by leaning into the church’s historic commitment to community…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Arabia Mountain High School is mourning the death of one of its football team members, Mikah King. The rising sophomore reportedly became ill during football practice on Tuesday and was rushed to the hospital, according to sources. King reportedly passed away around midnight.   EMT arrived at the scene on Tuesday around 9:30 a.m. as the football team was going through practice drills on the field. King, an offensive lineman for the Rams, was sidelined after expressing some level of stress or illness. He reportedly was placed on an IV and transported by ambulance to the hospital.  The DeKalb…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and fired a detention officer on felony charges for assaulting an inmate at the DeKalb County Jail. Martin Douglas, 50, was arrested on July 21 on felony charges of Aggravated Assault with a Weapon in connection with the July 4 incident.  Douglas was terminated following his arrest  for Violation of Oath of Office by a Public Officer, also a felony offense. Douglas had been employed with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office since March 4, 2024. He was released on July 21 on a $20,000 bond.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Animal Services has announced a limited-time Free Dog Spay Program for Rockdale County residents. The program will be offered, Aug. 1-31.  The program is made possible through a grant from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and aims to spay 100 dogs at no cost to the pet owner. Rockdale residents must sign up in person at Rockdale County Animal Services, 1506 Rockbridge Road NW, Conyers, during one of the following first-come, first-served registration windows: Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Monday, July 28…